Under this legislation, abortion clinics in Ontario will have safe access zones of 50 metres, which can be decreased or increased up to 150 metres by regulation.

Facilities and offices that offer abortion services will be able to apply for safe access zones of up to 150 metres. Regulated health professionals who provide abortion services outside of clinics will also be able to apply for safe access zones of up to 150 metres around their offices.

Activities that intimidate or physically interfere with individuals accessing or providing abortion services.

Abortion providers will also receive automatic safe access zones of up to 150 metres around their homes. The legislation also includes a general anti-harassment provision that protects clinic staff and abortion providers anywhere in Ontario.

Quick Facts

The safe access zones would include the property on which the clinic, facility, office, or house is located, and start at the boundaries of that property.

The Ministry of the Attorney General will be working with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to educate health and law enforcement partners about the new law.

People who engage in any of the prohibited activities within safe access zones would face fines of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months upon their first offence. For second and subsequent offences, fines could range between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.

In safe access zones around homes, activities that are directly targeted at, or are about, the clinic staff or health care professionals that provide abortion services would be prohibited.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Our government believes that every woman in Ontario has the right to make decisions about her own heath care – and she deserves to do so freely, without fear. This legislation sends a clear message that we will always stand up for a woman’s right to choose.”

Yasir Naqvi

Attorney General

“This legislation, which allows for safe zones to be created around facilities, offices and the homes of regulated abortion providers upholds a woman’s right to choose. Women in Ontario will finally have safe and equal access to abortion services, free from harassment, bullying or violence. This act demonstrates our government’s commitment to the security, equality and empowerment of women in Ontario.”